Midcentury Modern Revival

The latest pieces to escape the archives of legacy furniture makers are rooted in the mid-20th century. Despite some subtle tweaks, these icons stay true to their designers’ visions.

LC5, Cassina Cassina collaborated with the Fondation Le Corbusier to revive the LC5 sofa with new finishes and proportions more closely resembling its original form. First designed by the architect in 1934 with Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand for Corb’s Paris apartment, the piece was edited by Cassina in 1974 to be one size and with a chrome frame. In its latest update, the sofa is offered as a two- or three-seater (shown), and the large, plush cushions are supported by a metal frame available in seven colored varnishes as well as polished chrome.

Mexique, Cassina Designer Charlotte Perriand crafted her 1952 Mexique table as a compact desk for student dorms at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris. Cassina is reissuing it in 15" (shown) and 27.5" heights. The top comes in solid walnut or oak and the metal legs have a black matte finish.

621 Side Table, Vitsœ Dieter Rams designed his 621 side table in 1962. The re-issued model is injection-molded in either black plastic that includes 80% post-consumer waste or in off-white plastic (shown). Two sizes are offered and each is coated with a UV-resistant, textured polyurethane finish.

Su Collection, Emeco and Nendo Emeco is bringing the form of its iconic 1944 Navy Chair to a collaboration with Japanese design studio Nendo. The Su Collection of seating and tables is made from eco-friendly materials, including recycled polyethylene for the seat and recycled aluminum legs (both shown).

Albero, Poltrona Frau Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini conceived this sculptural shelving system in the late 1950s. Albero anchors to the ceiling and swivels 360-degrees. A nonslip rubber foot grips the floor. Eight to 12 shelving modules can be affixed to the walnut veneer frame using a pinion joint.

Eames shell Chair, Herman Miller The 1950 design is being reissued in its original glass fiber thanks to an eco-friendly fabrication process used in the auto industry. Glass-fiber strands are blown onto a wireframe in the shape of the chair’s shell. Excess strands are vacuumed from the air. Offered in nine colors.

Sling Chair, M2L Designer Harvey Probber in his 1948 Sling Chair, now being reissued by design brand M2L. Selected for MoMA’s 1951 Good Design exhibition, the chair’s bent-wood frame and sling back make it ideal for kicking back. M2L will also bring back a selection of Probber’s celebrated modular contract seating.

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About the Author

Hallie Busta is an associate editor of products and technology at ARCHITECT, Architectural Lighting, and Residential Architect. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill school and a LEED Green Associate credential. Previously, she wrote about building-material sales and distribution at Hanley Wood. Follow her on Twitter at @HallieBusta.